The Excitement of Clinical Microbiology

Clinical microbiologists uncover new and important pathogens, perform the role of sentinels to alert of possible upcoming epidemics, provide statistical and clinical information regarding the pathogens currently on the scene, and spur demands on research to create novel diagnostic tools. In fact, the development of such tools is taking place so swiftly that in not too many years the practice of clinical microbiology may well become unrecognizable. Not only will the introduction and use of nucleic acid-based techniques continue apace, but other sophisticated techniques such as mass spectrometry will make diagnoses ever more rapid and accurate.